Sun Buhuan's smile froze for an instant, then returned to normal. "Sea God Island has always rejected outsiders, but they should give Spirit Hall some face. I do have several fast ships capable of traveling the open sea, but the route is extremely dangerous, with fierce winds and waves and sea soul beasts along the way. Without enough people to escort you, it would be quite risky. When does Your Highness intend to depart?"
"As soon as possible," Deng Tianxin said.
"Then I'll make arrangements at once. At the earliest, I can have everything ready for Lord Holy Son by tomorrow morning," Sun Buhuan said.
Sun Buhuan worked quickly. At dawn the next day, a gray-white speedboat was already moored at the dedicated dock east of Vast Sea City.
The vessel was nearly half again as large as an ordinary fishing boat, with a long, narrow hull and a wooden seabird carving fixed to its prow, glinting faintly in the sea breeze.
Several sailors dressed in Spirit Hall deacon uniforms bustled about on deck. When they saw Deng Tianxin's group approaching, they all stopped to salute.
Sun Buhuan stood beside the gangplank and personally handed Deng Tianxin the travel permits and sea charts needed for the voyage. He then lowered his voice and said, "This ship is the fastest Wind Signal in the branch hall. It usually only patrols the nearby seas, but starting today, it will be at Your Highness's command. There are twelve soul masters aboard who know the waters well. Their Soul Power may not be high, but they are experienced. I've also prepared dry provisions, fresh water, and emergency medicine for injuries."
"Thank you for your trouble, Hall Master Sun." Deng Tianxin accepted them with a nod.
Xiao Wu had already impatiently leaped onto the deck,